Westview School Mission Statement

Westview School in partnership with the

citizens of the district has a mission to

provide lifelong learning opportunities through a

commitment to academic excellence preparing effective,

responsible citizens to meet future challenges

and live productive lives.

Statement Philosophy

Westview School believes that it should:

* motivate students to serve their fellow man, to contribute to the improvements of society, and to adjust to the changing needs of society.             

* provide a comprehensive educational program which encompasses the affective, cognitive, and psychomotor domains of learning for each student.

* strive to be dynamic in its effort to provide an education which will meet the needs of both the individual and society.

* provide a curriculum which will stimulate students to strive toward their potentials.

* select educational processes which are eclectic.

* recognize the teacher as the key to quality education.

General Information

Calendar

A school calendar is tentatively printed for your convenience.  Calendar changes will occur during the year.

Curriculum

The program in grades K-4 is a self-contained management system and 5-8 grade programs are departmentalized.  Basic courses consist of communication arts (reading, language, spelling, and writing), mathematics, social studies, science, art, vocal and instrumental music, technology instruction, career education, physical education, and library. All parents have the right to know the professional qualifications of their child’s teacher.  You may request that information from the school office.  Special needs are addressed through an individual education plan.

  School Property:  Each student will receive textbooks for instruction.  Students are responsible for taking care of their textbooks.  Lost or damaged books should be reported as soon as possible.  Students will be required to replace, at their expense, a lost or damaged textbook/library book.  A pencil machine is provided in the middle school hall at the cost of $.25.    Pupils are responsible for replacement of school property items and will be expected to replace that which is lost or damaged.

Physical Education: All students are required to participate in physical education activities unless excused by a physician.  Parents or guardians may temporarily excuse a student from participating on a daily basis due to medical reasons.  Required physical education credit must be achieved by participating appropriately in class activities and following class rules.  All students are required to wear proper gym shoes on the gym floor on designated P.E. days (Monday and Wednesday). No jewelry allowed during participation in physical education.

Technology/Internet Use:  Part of the school district’s responsibility in preparing our students for the 21^st Century is to provide them with access to the tools they will be using as adults.  We accept the responsibility for teaching your student about his/her role as a “network citizen” and will utilize the Internet Acceptable Use Policy Release.  Each student must have this signed usage agreement on file in the office in order to use the Internet.  If you have any questions, please contact the school, 776-2425.

Dismissal of School

The Superintendent /Principal may dismiss school due to inclement weather or other emergencies.  Please prepare your children with instructions for early dismissals.  School dismissal will be announced on the Joplin television stations (KSYN, KOAM and KODE) and Neosho radio station (KBTN).  Notification will occur as soon as a decision is made.  Please do not call the school since open phone lines are needed during these times.   Make sure early dismissal instructions are explicit on the Emergency/Student Blue Card requested the first week of school. 

Emergency Drills

Emergency drills (fire, tornado, bus, etc.) are held periodically during the school year.  Teachers will frequently review instructions regarding safety, shelter and emergency procedures and ensure student understanding and preparedness.

Emergency Information

Blue card emergency files will be collected at the beginning of each school year and will be kept on file in the office.  Please notify the school immediately of any informational change throughout the year. Current information is imperative in the event of an emergency.

Food Service

Our school provides a nutritionally balanced meal, which meets federal standards and includes one half-pint of milk.  To be excused from being served required foods, a student must have an exemption form signed by a doctor.  Microwaves or refrigerators are not available for student use.

Meal and/or milk money should be placed in a sealed plain envelope with the student’s complete name, teacher’s name, amount enclosed, and the date. Envelopes may be secured from the office.  The envelopes should be turned into the office by 8:30 a.m. preferably Mondays and advanced payment is appreciated.  Students will be allowed to charge meals no more than one week.

Meal prices are as follows:

Breakfast:                                                                     Full price -          .75                  Reduced -              .30

Lunch:                                                                          Full price -        1.00                  Reduced -              .40

Adults:                                                                          Breakfast -       1.00                  Lunch -                 1.50

Milk/juice can be purchased for 30¢ if a tray is not purchased.  (Juice is available at breakfast only)

Breakfast is available from 7:40 to 8:00. Students must be in the classrooms by 8:03 a.m.

Free and reduced lunches are available.  Those who wish to participate must complete an application and submit it to school officials for approval or disapproval.  This information is strictly confidential.  Please do not hesitate to take advantage of this program.  Applications are strongly encouraged.

Cafeteria behavior:  Students will wait in an orderly manner in the cafeteria line.  The noise level in the cafeteria will be kept to a minimum at all times.  Quiet talking with immediate neighbors is permissible.   Students may not move food from one tray to another or request second helpings.  This should help minimize the spread of germs and encourage children to eat a variety of foods while reducing confusion in the cafeteria.  Students will be responsible for personal eating areas with regard to clean up and disposal of trash. Lunchtime should be a pleasant experience for everyone.  All behavior and conversation should reflect an attitude of respect and responsibility.

Families are welcome to eat with their student at anytime.  Please notify the school by 8:30 to reserve a tray. The cost is $1.50 and must be paid at the office when securing a visitor pass.  The administration reserves the right to refuse access in the event the educational environment may be disrupted.  We ask that visitors follow the school dress code.

Students in 7^th and 8^th grades will be scheduled to assist in the cafeteria on a rotating basis and receive a free lunch each time they work.  Student participation in this program is encouraged since it provides a sense of satisfaction by helping others.  However, if a parent does not wish their child to participate, a waiver will be granted through a written parental request.

Grade Cards/Progress Reports

Kindergarten report cards are distributed twice a year, at the end of each semester.  Grades 1 – 8 report cards are distributed four times a year.  In grades 1 and 2, student progress is reported as

S = Satisfactory, N = Needs Improvement, I = Improving.  In grades 3 – 8, grading scale is as follows.  A progress report is issued at mid-term for grades 3 – 8.

Grading Scale

100-95=    A                 77-74=  C

94-90=    A-                73-70=  C-

89-88=    B+               69-68=  D+

87-84=    B                 67-64=  D

83-80=    B-                63-60=  D

79-78=    C+              59-Below=   F

Honor Roll

5^th - 8^th grades are eligible for the “Honor Roll”.  For the “A” honor roll you must have all A’s in all subjects.  The “B” honor roll requires all A’s and B’s in all subjects.

Parent Conferences

Conferences are held to inform parents of their student’s progress.  School will be cancelled one day for these meetings; however teachers can meet and share information with parents throughout the week.  Please be prompt for your conference, since the teachers will be seeing many parents back-to-back.   If additional time is needed, an additional conference can be set up on another day. 

Transportation

Each student is classified according to state law as a “bus rider” or a “walker”.  Students living over 1 mile from the school are “bus riders”.   Parents will designate a normal departure mode.  If the student is a bus rider a drop-off point must be designated.  Any changes must be made by the parent/guardian in writing or by phone prior to 2:30.    

The bus driver has complete charge of the bus.  His/her authority is comparable to that of the teacher in the classroom.  Bus transportation is a privilege not a right and may be revoked due to behavior and non observance of rules and regulations.  Pupils must be on time.  The bus driver cannot wait on students.  Students must stay off the road while waiting for the bus.  Parents are responsible for their children until the bus arrives and students safely load the bus.  Students must walk to bus, running or pushing is not allowed.

The school is not responsible for any personal items damaged, lost or stolen.

Transportation

Bus Matrix

If a student chooses to break a rule, the following consequences are applied:

*Verbal warning

*Change seat

*Written notification sent to parents.

Severe and/or persistent misbehavior: Student may lose bus privileges by suspension.

Riding bicycles to and from school can be dangerous.  Parents should send a note to the teacher giving permission for the student to ride their bike to school.  Bicycles are to be stored in the bicycle rack located in the front of the school.

Drop-off / Pick-up: Our doors open at 7:40 a.m. and school ends at 3:02 p.m.  School personnel are not available to supervise students before or after these times.  For safety reasons, students should not arrive at school before 7:40 a.m. and should be picked up by 3:02 p.m.  The gymnasium/concession area will be used for drop-off and pick-up points.  Please drive carefully and slow through this zone.

Visitation

The Westview School Staff invites parents, grandparents, and those interested in education to visit our school.  We are proud of our educational system and are anxious to answer questions concerning any aspect of our program.  We particularly invite parents to visit classes of their children and go through a daily schedule with them.  Should you wish to participate in your child’s daily education, it is necessary that you check in with the office before you go to the classroom.  We feel that visitation gives parents a better understanding of the things their children are doing in school and an appreciation of the current methods and strategies used in education today.  It is school policy that visiting children or former students may not attend school.

Website:

Our school website is http://www.westviewelementary.org.

Student Information

Student Attire

All wearing apparel should be neat, clean, and proper.  The appearance of students should be based on good taste and in accordance with the standards of our school and community.  Students should dress in a respectful manner that supports positive attitudes and does not disrupt the education climate.  The school administration shall have the right to determine apparel that disrupt or detract the educational program.  Parents should monitor student clothing appropriate to the weather.

The dress code will include the following:

1.  Shirts and blouses appropriately buttoned in accord with the design.

Transparent, see-through tops, bare midriff, strapless, low-cut clothing, or tops and outfits,   which provide minimum coverage, will not be allowed.  Tank tops and muscle shirts are not permitted unless worn under a t-shirt.

2. Skirts and shorts must be no shorter than fingertip length or longer.  (Especially when sitting)

3. Students must be dressed appropriately for type of weather.

4. Hats are prohibited at school.

5.  Clothing containing slogans or advertising which by their controversial or obscene material is prohibited, along with gang related attire or colors.

6.  No pierced object may be worn in any visible body part other than the ear.

The administration shall retain the authority to grant exceptions for special occasions and/or special conditions.

In order to set a good example for our students, we ask that parents follow the student dress code when entering student areas such as the cafeteria or classroom.

Delivery / Messages

Parents who wish to bring a forgotten item to school should deliver it to the office.  The items will be delivered to your child’s classroom.  The front public access doors by the office will be unlocked during the school day.  All other doors will be locked at all times to insure your child’s safety.

Student tardy arrivals or early pick-ups will be documented at the school office window.   Students will be released to authorized designees provided on the student blue cards.  This is designed to protect the rights of every student from disruptions to their instructional time.  Safe schools such as ours allow only school personnel throughout the building during the school day.  Students cannot be pulled from educational time for non-emergency phone calls.  A message will be taken and if necessary the student will be allowed to return the call during their break time.  Our school protects student instructional times by limiting disruptions throughout the school day.

Directory Information

We will not release any information about you or your child, unless required by state law.  Board policy does allow “directory information” to be supplied in the form of athletic rosters, class lists, programs for special events and identification of students for news articles, photographs and other general school items. You may refuse release of information, by sending a written dated statement to the office noting your request.

Immunizations

All students must be immunized for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and polio according to Missouri Public School Policy.  The Division of Health requires that this be strictly enforced. Students not properly immunized will be excluded from school.  No child will be allowed to attend school without proof of proper immunization.  They will also be denied a pass to board the school bus.  An exception may involve religious convictions.

Medication

School personnel are not permitted to give any medication to any child unless written parental permission is on file in the health room.  Clear dispensing information is to be provided by the parent and/or doctor.  (For example: name of child, name of medication, dosage to be given, and time it is to be given.)  All medication must be brought to the school health room by parent or guardian and be in the original container.  Due to shortage of available space, only prescription medications can be brought to school, over the counter medications cannot be stored for your child.

Insurance

It is Board policy that all students participating in extracurricular activities have insurance coverage.  The school assumes no liability for injuries at school.  Therefore, the school merely acts as a medium in supplying insurance provider information for those families without insurance.  The student insurance form must be completed and returned to school or mailed with payment directly to the company.  Not all health insurance plans cover accidents that may occur with school related sport programs, you may want to check your present insurance carrier if you have one.

Lockers

Student lockers in grades five through eight will be assigned by the counselor.  Personal locks are not permitted on the lockers. Locks will be provided by the school and must be turned in at the end of the school year or a fee will be assessed.  For health and safety reasons, only book bags, school materials and coats should be stored in the lockers.  Stickers, markings or adhesive decoration are not allowed.  Lockers should be kept neat and orderly.  Overloaded contents may damage lockers when doors are forced to close.  Students may be asked to reduce contents. Locker contents are subject to inspection by school officials or their designee at any time.  Abuse of these rules will result in loss of an assigned locker.  Students will be given time to organize and clean their lockers at regular intervals (generally Friday).

Use of Telephone

The primary purpose of the school telephone is to conduct school business.  The lines must be kept open.  Students are not allowed to use the phones unless there is an emergency, and the student has approval of the administration.  Students are responsible for school supplies prior to their arrival on the premises. Please allow your child to handle the consequences of forgotten books, assignments, etc.  This helps the child develop responsibility and learn accountability.  Student’s cell phones are prohibited during the instructional day and extra curricular activities. If a student has a cell phone out at any time, whether in use or not, it will be confiscated and the  parent/guardian will be required to pick it up from the school administration.

School Programs /Activities

Extracurricular Activities

Westview offers services and programs to provide enrichment experiences for students.  Participation in any after school event is deemed as a privilege and not a student right.

Athletics:

Any students desiring to participate in extracurricular activities must meet the following criteria:

1.   The student must attend school on the day of the event.  Students who miss class on the date of a contest without being excused by the school administration will not be considered eligible to participate.

2.   The student must maintain passing grades in all subjects, with a minimum C average, (no F’s) in all subjects to be eligible to participate.  Eligibility will be determined by the last grade reporting period.

3.   All students must have a satisfactory physical examination from a doctor on file with the school before participating in extracurricular athletics.

4.   Student participants must be covered by accident insurance with policy information on file before participating in extracurricular activities.

Ball players are to ride the bus to away games.  Students wishing to ride home with his/her parents may do so by simply having the parent or guardian inform the sponsor.  Signed permission slips will be required for students riding home with anyone other than parents or guardians.

Student Spectators/Sport Events:  For safety and security reasons all students must remain inside the building after arriving for a game or activity.   Children will not be allowed to block entrance/exit areas, congregate in halls, restrooms or outside the building.  Student behavior should be respectful and cooperative, displaying good sportsmanship.  If students are unable to follow these rules, they may be restricted from attending extracurricular activities.

Band/clubs/tutoring/etc.: Guidelines will be distributed as the activities are organized.  Parents are expected to be punctual when picking up their children.  Failure to do so may disqualify a student from participation.

Field Trips

Field trips are usually scheduled once in the first semester, with a second trip scheduled during the second semester.  Students must have signed, written permission slips on file before going on any field trip.  If your child does not return the required permission slip, he/she will not be able to attend. Field trips are set up as part of your child’s academic enrichment for that school day.  In the event that the child is not allowed to take part in the field trip in which the classroom teacher is taking part in, the parent will be required to pick up the child from school when the class leaves for the field trip.  The 8^th grade will take an “end of year trip”.  Students will raise funds to finance the trip.  Students are required to follow all district rules while on field trips.  Parents may follow the class in their personal vehicle but are not legally allowed to ride the bus.  The administration reserves the right to review extenuating circumstances.  At the destination site parents are requested to remain outside the group perimeter in order to support the teachers’ maintenance of supervision and authority.

Parents as Teachers

Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a free and voluntary early-learning program for parents and guardians with children, birth to age five, offered through the Westview School District.  PAT offers personalized visits, group meetings, information and guidance, and periodic screenings.  All parents and guardians are encouraged to participate in this program.  We believe these types of experiences and activities will help your child develop skills appropriate for their age.  For further information about this program, please contact the PAT educator at 776-2425.

Special School Events

Parent information will be provided to you noting the time you should arrive for the various events.  Our goal is the safety of your child while providing a consistent instructional environment.

From time to time assemblies are held for various reasons.  Students are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly and well-behaved manner.  Students will be seated by grade.  Parents are invited to attend school assemblies.  A visitor pass from the office will not be required for school assembly events.  We encourage your sport and attendance at these various school events.

Parties: (Kindergarten – 4^th grades) Harvest, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day.  Parents may volunteer to be room mothers, and provide party needs for the students.  Forms are provided in the packet at the beginning of school for those who wish to participate.  Fifth - eighth grades may choose to participate differently.

Birthdays are special occasions for children.  If your child wishes, he/she may bring pre-packaged treats for the entire class.  These will be served at the end of the day for primary students.  Please send a note a day or two in advance so plans can be made. Please leave treats at the office.  Students will not be allowed to distribute social invitations (birthday, holiday parties, etc.) to school unless the entire class is invited.  This is to prevent hurt feelings on the part of the child who may not be invited to social events but would like to be.

Student Council

The Middle School (6-8 grades) Student Council consists of 10 total members.  Each grade will have two representatives and four officers elected by the student body.  The officers and representatives must complete an application and maintain a C or better grade average.  The primary purpose of the council is to act as a service group.  They are expected to reflect good attitudes, school support and character.  Regular meeting attendance is required.

Attendance/Absence

Attendance

Regular attendance is very important to all students.  Those students who do not attend regularly find it difficult to keep up with regular class assignments.  Although students with excused absences are allowed to do make-up work, it is very difficult, if not impossible, for students to achieve the same level of understanding as those in class.  This fact alone is enough to indicate the importance of regular attendance.

Parents of students who acquire 5 unexcused absences will receive a letter from the office/school social worker.  Parents of students who acquire 10 unexcused absences will receive a communication from the school social worker.  Parents of students who acquire 15 unexcused absences will be subject to review and may require a referral to Children Services and/or action from the prosecuting attorney against the student custodians.

Absence

Parents should call the secretary by 8:30 a.m. to notify the school of a child’s absence, homework requests may also be made at this time.  Returning students must submit a note from a parent/guardian stating the date of absence and the reason to the office.  Failure to bring a note may result in a unexcused absence and referral to Children Services. Readmit slips will be issued based on the following:

EXCUSED ABSENCE:  Illness, injury, doctor’s appointment, or any other reason that is beyond the student’s or parent’s control.

 

UNEXCUSED ABSENCE:  Absences that could have been avoided, (i.e., errands, overslept, out of town) by either parent or student, unless it can be determined that it was an unavoidable emergency beyond the control of all concerned.

The administration reserves the right to review special circumstances.

Make-up Assignments: Excused absence requires students to ask their teachers for make-up assignments after returning to school.  Students will be given at least 2 days to make-up work for each absence after their return.  Unexcused absences will not allow make-up work to be recorded in the grade book.

School day dismissal: All absences are recorded hourly.  All students leaving the building during the school day must check out.  Any student leaving without checking out will be considered truant.  Early withdrawal is only excused for illness, injury, doctor’s appointment, or any other circumstance beyond the student’s or parent’s control.   Students will be released only to parent/guardian, or designee (in writing or phone) by the parents. A reason is required for early dismissal to prevent an unexcused absence.  Unexcused early withdrawals will fall under the same consequences as tardiness and may result in referral to Division of Family Services.

Tardiness

School begins at 8:03 a.m.  We ask that parents and guardians see that students are here on time.  Teachers will notify the office concerning student tardies.  Students must be in their classroom when the bell rings to not be counted tardy.  In P.E. class the students must be sitting in the bleachers when the bell rings.

Tardiness in the Elementary grades is most often due to students arriving late to school which is solely the parent’s responsibility.  Tardiness in the Middle School grades is most often due to students spending too much time between classes.  4 tardies merit 1 hour absence.

Truancy

A student is truant when absent from school without permission of parent or school.

POSSIBLE consequences:

1^st truancy                           Parent notification and/or office referral

Repeated offense                Possible referral to school social worker and/or juvenile officer

Flagrant disregard for policies, rules and regulations, or continued truancy may result in suspension or expulsion.

Transfers

If it becomes necessary for your child to make a school transfer , please notify the school office as soon as possible.  Your child’s records will be sent to the new school upon request; however you should take a copy of the student’s immunization records.  Missouri law requires proof of proper immunization before a child is allowed to attend any school.

Student Conduct

In-School Suspension (ISS)

Students assigned to in-school suspension will observe the following:

1.   Report to the student services office upon arriving at school.

2.   The student will be isolated in the ISS room where he/she will spend the required time.  Lunch  may be included in isolation process.

3.   Students will be responsible for regular classroom assignments during ISS with full credit given.  However, additional work may be assigned.

4.   The student will be escorted to the restroom and water fountain as needed.

5.   The student is not to leave the assigned room or talk without permission.

6.   If the student violates any of the requirements of the ISS, they may receive additional suspension time.  Repeated violations will result in a parent conference and/or out-of-school suspension.

Recess Rules

• Students will be safe while playing appropriate indoor games
  • Hula Hoops
  • Jump Rope
  • Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Socialize
  • Teacher led activity
• Use kind hands, feet, and words for all games
• Follow all teacher instruction
• First and Second grade on West side of court
• Third and Fourth grade on East side of Court

Outdoor Recess

• Students will use school provided equipment
• Students will be safe while playing appropriate outdoor games and using equipment
• Use kind hands, feet, and words for all games
• Sportsmanship will be taught in teacher led activity if desired for elementary
• Students may participate in approved organized sport activities
• Water bottles are permitted on playground for drinking purposes only
• Follow line procedures
• Return equipment when finished using it
• Receive permission before you leave the recess area

**All students are open to play on all equipment during lunch recess times.

A written note from parents is required for students to stay inside during recess or to abstain from physical activities.  Repeated parent requests will require a doctor’s note.

Major Infractions:  Office Referral

Vandalism

• The student participates in an activity that results in destruction or disfigurement of property.

Possession of illegal school objects

• The students possesses/uses on school grounds alcohol, drugs, tobacco, weapons, or combustible objects which include matches, lighters, firecrackers, gasoline, or lighter fluid.

Truancy

• Student receives an unexcused absence.

Physical Contact with Injury

• Student engages in action involving serious physical contact where injury may occur (hitting, punching, hitting with object, kicking, hair pulling, biting, scratching, etc.)

Abusive/Inappropriate/Profanity Language

• Student delivers verbal message that includes swearing, name calling, or use of words in an inappropriate way.

Harassment/Bullying

• Student delivers disrespectful messages (verbal or gestures) that include negative comments based on race, religion, gender, age, and/or national origin; sustained or intense verbal attacks based on ethnic origin, disabilities, or other personal matters.  This includes threats, intimidation, obscene gestures, pictures, or written notes.

Lying/Cheating

• Student delivers message that is untrue or deliberately violates rules.

Defiance/Disrespect/Insubordination/Non-Compliance

• Student engages in refusal to follow directions, talks back and/or delivers socially rude interactions.

Major Disruption

• Student engages in behavior causing an interruption in a class or activity.  Disruption includes sustained loud talk, yelling or screaming; noise with materials; horseplay or roughhousing; and/or sustained out of seat behavior.

Forgery/Theft

• Student is in possession of, having passed on, or being responsible for removing someone else’s property or has signed a person’s name without that person’s permission.

Technology violation

• Student engages in inappropriate as defined by the school the use of cell phones, music video players, camera, and/or computer.

Minors:  Classroom Managed

Defiance/Disrespect/Non-compliance

• Student engages in brief or low intensity failure to respond to adult request.
• Not following directions
• Refusal to work
• Poor hallway behavior
• Not listening
• No homework/pencil/etc
• Running in building
• Gum
• Sharing food

Disruption

• Student engages in low intensity but inappropriate disruption
• Talking out
• Excessive Talking
• Noises
• Out of seat
• Playing in seat area

Dress Code Violation

• Student wears clothing that is near but not within the dress code guidelines defined by the school district.

Inappropriate Language

• Student engages in low intensity instances of inappropriate language.

Physical contact/physical aggression

• Student engages in non-serious but inappropriate physical contact.
• Touching
• Poking
• Pushing
• Throwing objects

Property misuse

• Student engages in low intensity misuse of property
• Breaking pencils
• Improper use of floor and furniture

Tardy

• Student arrives unexcused in class after the bell.

Other

• Student engages in any other minor problem behaviors that do not fall within the minor categories.
• Sleeping
• Bus procedures

School Rules and Consequences For Disobeying

Severity Clause: In general, the hierarchy of consequences listed will be followed.  However, if any student causes a severe problem in the opinion of the supervising teacher or administration, the lesser consequences may be by-passed and the greater consequences imposed.

Refusal to Accept Consequences: If any student refuses to accept any consequence imposed, he or she is immediately subject to an increase in the imposed consequence or an added consequence such as suspension.

Violation of the Law: School officials will notify the appropriate law enforcement officials.  Any action taken by the law enforcement officials will be in addition to any action taken by the school.

Sexual Harassment of Students

Sexual harassment of students of either sex is strictly prohibited in the Westview School District.  For purposes of sexual harassment and sexual discrimination policies only, an employee includes any person employed by the district, and any student teacher, intern or school volunteer.  A student is any person enrolled in the school district or in district instructional programs.  Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature made by a member of the school staff to a student or when made by any student to another student when:

*Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a student’s

academic status or progress; or

*Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as the basis for evaluating the

student’s performance with a course of study or other school related activity; or

*Such conduct has the purpose of effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s educational

performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment.

All occurrences of sexual harassment should be reported to the appropriate authorities immediately.

NCLB/Title I Grievance Procedure

Students, parents of students, or employees have the right to file a formal complaint alleging noncompliance with regulation outlined in Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, (not required by federal regulations but recommended as good administrative policy), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  This complaint resolution procedure applies to all programs administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education under the Goals 2000: Educate American Act and the Improving America’s School Act (IASA). A complaint is a formal allegation that a specific federal or state law or regulation has been violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted by school district personnel or by Department of Education personnel. Any parent or guardian, surrogate parent, teacher, administrator, school board member, or other person directly involved with an activity, program, or project operated under the general supervision of the Department may file a complaint.  Such a complaint must be in writing and signed; it will provide specific details of the situation and indicate the law or regulation that is allegedly being violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted.  The written, signed complaint must be filed and the resolution pursued in accordance with local district policy:

Level One: Principal

(Informal and Optional may be by-passed by the grievant.)  Employees with a grievance of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, national origin or disability may first discuss it with their principal or immediate supervisor, with the objective of resolving the matter informally.  A student or parent with a complaint of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, national origin or disability may discuss it with the teacher, counselor or building administrator.

Level Two: If the grievance is not resolved at Level One and the grievant wishes to pursue the grievance, they may formalize it by filing a written complaint on a Compliance Violation Form, which may be obtained from the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator(s).  The complaint shall state the nature of the grievance and the remedy requested.  The filing of the formal written complaint at Level Two must be within fifteen (15) working days from the date of the event-giving rise to the grievance or from the date grievant could reasonably become aware of such occurrence.  The grievant may request that a meeting concerning the complaint be held with the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator(s).  A minor student may be accompanied at the meeting by a parent or guardian.  The Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator(s) shall investigate the complaint and attempt to resolve it.  A written report from the Compliance Officer regarding action taken will be sent within fifteen (15) working days after receipt of the complaint

Level Three: Superintendent

If the complaint is not resolved at Level Two, the grievant may proceed to Level Three by presenting a written appeal to the Superintendent within ten (10) working days after the grievant receive the report from the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator(s).  The grievant may request a meeting with the Superintendent or his/her designee. The Superintendent or his/her designee has the option of meeting with the grievant to discuss the appeal.  The Superintendent or his/her designee will render a decision within ten (10) working days after receiving the written appeal.

Level Four: Board of Education

If the complaint is not resolved at Level Three, the grievant may proceed to Level Four by presenting a written appeal to the President of the Board of Education within ten (10) working days after the grievant receives the report from the Superintendent.  The grievant may also request a meeting with the Board of Education.  The Board of Education has the option of meeting with the grievant to discuss the appeal.  A decision will be rendered by the Board of Education at their next regularly scheduled meeting.  The grievant will be notified in writing of their decision within ten (10) working days after the Board of Education’s action.  This procedure in no way denies the right of the grievant to file formal complaints with the Missouri Civil Right Commission, the Office for Civil Rights or other agencies available for mediation or recertification of rights or grievances, or to seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination.  If the issue cannot be resolved at the local level, the complainant may file a complaint with the Missouri Department of Education.  If there is no evidence that the parties have attempted in good faith to resolve the complaint at the local level, the Department may require the parties to do so and may provide technical assistance to facilitate such resolution.  Any persons directly affected by the actions of the Department may file a similarly written complaint if they believe state or federal laws or regulations have been violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted by the Department itself.  Anyone wishing more information about this procedure or how complaints are resolved may contact local district or Department personnel.

Public Notice

Student’s Rights and Responsibilities

(Nondiscrimination Policy)

The Board of Education believes that students have rights, which should be recognized and respected.  It also believes that every right carries with it certain responsibilities.  Among these student rights and responsibilities are the following: the right to attend free public schools; the responsibility to attend school regularly and to observe school policies, rules, and regulations deemed essential for permitting teachers to teach and others to learn.  A right to quality educational programs with the responsibility to put forth the best effort during the educational process.  Civil Rights - including the rights to equal educational opportunity and freedom from discrimination; the responsibility not to discriminate against others.  Right to free inquiry, speech and expression, the responsibility to observe reasonable rules and regulations regarding the rights of others.  Right to due process of law, the responsibility to address these concerns properly and respectfully.  Right to privacy, which includes privacy in respect to the student’s school records; the responsibility to respect the privacy of others. 

Westview School Public Notice

All responsible public agencies are required to locate, evaluate, and identify children with disabilities who are under the jurisdiction of the agency, regardless of the severity of the disability, including children attending private schools, highly mobile children, such as migrant and homeless children, and children who are suspected of having a disability and in need of special education even though they are advancing from grade to grade.  The Westview School District assures that it will provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to all eligible children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 under its jurisdiction.  Disabilities include autism, deaf/blindness, emotional disorders, hearing impairment and deafness, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment/blindness and young child with a developmental delay.

The Westview School District assures that it will provide information and referral services necessary to assist the State in the implementation of early intervention services for infants and toddlers eligible for the Missouri First Steps program.

The Westview School District assures that personally identifiable information collected, used, or maintained by the agency for the purposes of identification, evaluation, placement or provision of FAPE of children with disabilities may be inspected and/or reviewed by their parents/guardians.  Parents/guardians may request amendment to the educational record if the parent/guardian believes the record is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy or other rights of their child.  Parents have the right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education concerning alleged failures by the district to meet the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

The Westview School District has developed a Local Compliance Plan for the implementation of State Regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  This plan contains the agency’s policies and procedures regarding storage, disclosure to third parties, retention and destruction of personally identifiable information and the agency’s assurance that the services are provided in compliance with the General Education Provision Act (GEPA).  This plan may be reviewed Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Westview School.

This notice will be provided in native languages as appropriate.